Insights

The Auto Market Brief – Bonus In this Episode Car shoppers aren’t following a linear path to purchase anymore. Instead, they’re validating information across platforms, formats, and voices, reshaping how automotive content is created and consumed. In this conversation, Erin Keating is joined by Michelle Clark, Director of Editorial for Cox Automotive’s consumer brands, to …

ATLANTA—April 9, 2026—Cox Automotive Inc., today released their 2026 Fixed Operations and Ownership Study, a comprehensive report detailing how service has quietly become a powerful growth engine within the dealership, with 80% of new-car buyers likely to service at the selling dealership, as ownership now stretches longer and vehicles get more expensive.   The study reveals a shift in consumer ownership behavior: nearly two‑thirds are owning their vehicles for …

A replay of the Q1 2026 Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index Call held on Tuesday, April 7, is available. Cox Automotive Chief Economist Jeremy Robb, Jonathan Gregory, senior manager of Economic and Industry Insights, and Scott Vanner, manager of Economic and Industry Insights, reported the latest finding from the Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index and the major economic and industry trends that …

Providing Data-Backed Insights on the Wholesale and Used-Vehicle Markets Manheim delivers the world’s largest wholesale marketplace through a network of physical, digital and mobile auction locations. Every year, Manheim handles more than 7 million vehicles, and more than 99% of used-vehicle listings are valued using the Manheim Market Report. For information on Manheim and its …

ATLANTA, Apr. 7, 2026 – Wholesale used-vehicle prices (on a mix, mileage and seasonally adjusted basis) were higher year over year in March. The Manheim Used Vehicle Value Index (MUVVI) rose to 215.3, an increase of 6.2% year over year and the highest point since the summer of 2023. Demand for used vehicles remains strong …

Key Metrics Expert Perspective — Jeremy Robb, Chief Economist, Cox Automotive “As soon as this year began, prices at Manheim started moving higher as dealers anticipated strong demand from higher tax refunds to consumers. Sales conversion rates, a clear sign of demand, were higher against 2025 for every week but one in Q1, and vehicle value trends at auction …

This edition of the Auto Market Weekly Summary includes updates on new-vehicle sales and pricing, the employment situation, retail sales, and consumer confidence. The conflict in the Middle East continues to cast a shadow over sentiment, but tax refunds continue to provide meaningful support to consumer purchasing power and automotive demand. Bottom Line Up Front …

The Auto Market Brief – Ep. #5 In this Episode Soaring gas prices, ongoing geopolitical tension, and shifting rate expectations continue to collide with a key spring selling period for the auto market. From fuel price volatility and interest rate pressure to evolving consumer shopping behavior and industry cost complexities, this episode unpacks the dynamics …

This edition of the Auto Market Weekly Summary includes updates on energy prices, benchmark interest rates and mortgages, consumer sentiment, and employment. The coming weeks will test whether tax refund dollars and continued credit availability can offset the headwinds building from energy prices and consumer uncertainty.  Bottom Line Up Front The Middle East conflict is the defining economic story of …

The Auto Market Brief – Ep. #4 In this Episode Consumer sentiment is at risk as higher gas prices, global conflicts, and interest rate uncertainty intersect with an auto market entering the spring selling season.  From geopolitical risk and fuel costs to strengthening used EV performance and growing macro uncertainty, this episode breaks down the …